Just yesterday screenshots from Assassin’s Creed 4: Black Flag were released online and gave players a glimpse into the game. One of the screenshots even pictured a whale, hinting at the enormity of the game and it was later revealed that players were allowed to participate in a bit of whaling, which is basically the hunting of whales using harpoons. Since this is merely a game, it’s safe to say that no actual harm was inflicted on animals, not by the players at least, but it would seem that PETA would have none of it, virtual or otherwise.

In a statement made out to Venture Beat, PETA basically expressed their dissatisfaction at the concept of whaling even though it is done in a game. They claim that the fact that it is in a game “glorifies” the concept of whaling, a practice which is still going on today despite many protests against it. We guess PETA does raise a valid point on the topic of glorifying such an act, but it is unclear as to how Ubisoft will react to it and if they have plans to remove the whaling feature from the game. What do you guys think? Is PETA overreacting or do you think that their statement is justified?